Karim Benzema was defended by Carlo Ancelotti against claims that he is not playing for Real Madrid in order to get prepared for the World Cup, claiming on Wednesday that the France striker is unhappy about his lack of playing time heading into Qatar.
In the Spanish league match on Thursday between Madrid and Cádiz, the 34-year-old Benzema, who has been struggling with muscle fatigue, will miss his sixth consecutive start.
🧐 Are you worried about Karim Benzema’s injury problems this season?
• 12 games played
• 11 games missed pic.twitter.com/vvgoQKRdWD— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) November 9, 2022
It will be the team’s final game prior to the World Cup break.
Ancelotti has now referred to the assertion that Benzema was trying to save himself for the France national team as “silly.”
“It’s a small ailment, and Karim has tried to recover from it,” the Madrid coach said.
“He is the first one who is frustrated with the situation, as he is entering the World Cup without the minutes he would have needed to be in better condition.”
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“The only thing that bothers me is that Karim has not been able to help the team with his quality,” Ancelotti said.
Benzema is set to be back at the World Cup after missing out on the 2018 tournament in Russia.
France coach Didier Deschamps will announce the squad that will try to the defend the World Cup title in Qatar on Wednesday.
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